U.S. patent application number 13/916834 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-22 for connector assembly for modular ground covering panels.
The applicant listed for this patent is Everest Plastik Inc.. Invention is credited to Neri Jean.
Application Number | 20140137505 13/916834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48692255 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140137505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jean; Neri |
May 22, 2014 |
CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR MODULAR GROUND COVERING PANELS
Abstract
A system for constructing a load bearing surface includes a
plurality of modular ground covering panels. Along at least one
first side edge of each of the panels, the lower surface projects
beyond the upper surface to define a lower peripheral tab. Along at
least one second side edge of each of the panels, the upper surface
projects beyond the lower surface to define an upper peripheral
tab. The lower peripheral tab of one of the panels and the upper
peripheral tab of another one of the panels overlappingly engage so
that the upper surfaces of the panels are in adjoining relation to
form the load bearing surface. A connector assembly includes a
first connection element fixed to the lower peripheral tab, and a
second connection element that releasably fastens the upper
peripheral tab to the first connection element to secure the panels
together.
Inventors: |
Jean; Neri;
(Tracadie-Sheila, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Everest Plastik Inc. |
Tracadie-Sheila |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
48692255 |
Appl. No.: |
13/916834 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61728308 |
Nov 20, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/588.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 5/005 20130101;
E01C 13/045 20130101; E01C 13/04 20130101; E01C 5/22 20130101; E04B
5/023 20130101; E01C 5/20 20130101; E01C 9/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/588.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 5/02 20060101
E04B005/02; E04F 15/02 20060101 E04F015/02 |
Claims
1. A system for constructing a load bearing surface, comprising: at
least first and second modular ground covering panels, each of the
panels comprising upper and lower surfaces, wherein along at least
one first side edge of each of the panels the lower surface
projects beyond the upper surface to define a lower peripheral tab,
wherein along at least one second side edge of each of the panels
the upper surface projects beyond the lower surface to define an
upper peripheral tab, and wherein the lower peripheral tab of one
of the panels and the upper peripheral tab of another one of the
panels are adapted to overlappingly engage so that the upper
surfaces of the panels are in adjoining relation to form the load
bearing surface; and at least one connector assembly comprising a
first connection element fixed to the lower peripheral tab, and a
second connection element that releasably fastens the upper
peripheral tab to the first connection element to secure the panels
together.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connection element is
fastened to and unfastened from the first connection element
generally from above the upper surfaces of the panels.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the upper peripheral tab
comprises at least one aperture, and the second connection element
comprises a bolt that extends through the aperture.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein a head of the bolt is accessible
from above the upper surfaces of the panels.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first connection element
comprises a nut configured to receive the bolt, and the nut is
retained in position relative to the lower peripheral tab so that
rotation of the nut about a bolt axis is not permitted.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the lower peripheral tab
comprises a first flange surface, and the upper peripheral tab
comprises a second flange surface, and tightening the bolt relative
to the nut causes the flange surfaces to bear against one another
in opposed relation.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the flange surfaces are generally
parallel to a plane defined by the upper surfaces of the
panels.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the connector assembly comprises
at least one brace plate for distributing forces to at least one of
the peripheral tabs.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second connection element
comprises a first brace plate arranged between the head of the nut
and the upper peripheral tab, the upper peripheral tab comprises a
recess generally surrounding the aperture, and the first brace
plate is received within the recess.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first connection element
comprises a second brace plate that is mounted to the lower
peripheral tab, the lower peripheral tab comprises a recess
generally surrounding the first connection element, and the second
brace plate is received within the recess.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the first connection element
comprises a third brace plate that is mounted to the first flange
surface, the first flange surface comprises a recess generally
surrounding the first connection element, and the third brace plate
is received within the recess.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein tightening the bolt relative to
the nut draws the second and third base plates towards the first
base plate, thereby securing the peripheral tabs together.
13. The system of claim 6, wherein the first connection element
comprises a body housing the nut in secure arrangement.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein an interior of the body is
complementary in shape to an exterior of the nut.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the nut is removable from the
body.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first connection element
comprises a clip adapted to retain the nut in the body.
17. The system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of the connector
assemblies spaced apart along the adjoined side edges of the
panels.
18. A load bearing surface constructed using the system of claim
1.
19. In combination: a first panel comprising upper and lower
surfaces and side edges, and along at least one first side edge the
lower surface projects beyond the upper surface to define a lower
peripheral tab; a second panel comprising upper and lower surfaces
and side edges, along at least one second side edge the upper
surface projects beyond the lower surface to define an upper
peripheral tab, the upper peripheral tab comprising an aperture,
and the upper peripheral tab is adapted to overlappingly engage the
lower peripheral tab of the first panel so that the upper surfaces
of the first and second panels are in adjoining relation to form a
load bearing surface; and a connector assembly comprising a nut
retained in position relative to the lower peripheral tab so that
rotation of the nut about a bolt axis is not permitted, and a bolt
that extends through the aperture of the upper peripheral tab, the
nut being adapted to receive the bolt to releasably fasten the
upper peripheral tab of the second panel to the lower peripheral
tab of the first panel to secure the panels together.
20. In combination: a first panel comprising upper and lower
surfaces and side edges, and along at least one first side edge the
lower surface projects beyond the upper surface to define a lower
peripheral tab; a second panel comprising upper and lower surfaces
and side edges, along at least one second side edge the upper
surface projects beyond the lower surface to define an upper
peripheral tab, the upper peripheral tab adapted to overlappingly
engage the lower peripheral tab of the first panel so that the
upper surfaces of the first and second panels are in adjoining
relation to form a load bearing surface, and the upper peripheral
tab comprises an aperture; and a connector assembly comprising a
first connection element fixed to the lower peripheral tab, and a
second connection element that releasably fastens the upper
peripheral tab to the first connection element to secure the panels
together, the connector assembly comprising at least one brace
plate for distributing forces to at least one of the peripheral
tabs.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application
No. 61/728,308 filed on Nov. 20, 2012, the entire contents of which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to modular ground
covering panels that are constructed to form a load bearing
surface.
BACKGROUND
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,257 describes a reusable mat system for
the construction of load bearing surfaces, such as temporary
roadways and equipment support surfaces, over unstable or
unsubstantial terrain, comprising durable, interlocking individual
mats which can be quickly and easily installed in a single
application, and which can thereafter be easily removed and stored
until needed again. The individual mats interlock on all sides to
form stable and continuous load bearing surfaces, and exhibit
favorable traction characteristics.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,183 describes a road mat that includes a
body having a first end, a second end, a first face and a second
face. A first coupling is positioned at the first end has an
outwardly extending portion extending outwardly from the first end
adjacent to the second face, an angled portion extending from a
remote end of the outwardly extending portion toward but not past
the first face, and an inwardly extending retaining lip extending
from a remote end of the angled portion back toward the first end.
A second coupling is positioned at the second end is similarly
configured with an outwardly extending portion extending outwardly
from the second end adjacent to the first face, an angled portion
and an inwardly extending retaining lip. The retaining lip of the
second coupling engages the retaining lip of the first coupling
preventing separation.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,413,374 describes a portable overlapping
secured mat system with uniformly sized plastic mats joined
together to form structural support surface for use by persons or
equipment. The mats' edges have recessed upper and lower lips with
finger projections extending from the upper lips sized to fit into
holes of adjacent mats' lower lips securing the mats together when
the front edge of the finger projections are moved into a recesses
of the back wall of the hole.
INTRODUCTION
[0006] The following is intended to introduce the reader to the
more detailed description that follows and not to define or limit
the claimed subject matter.
[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system
for constructing a load bearing surface may include: at least first
and second modular ground covering panels, each of the panels
including upper and lower surfaces, wherein along at least one
first side edge of each of the panels the lower surface projects
beyond the upper surface to define a lower peripheral tab, wherein
along at least one second side edge of each of the panels the upper
surface projects beyond the lower surface to define an upper
peripheral tab, and wherein the lower peripheral tab of one of the
panels and the upper peripheral tab of another one of the panels
are adapted to overlappingly engage so that the upper surfaces of
the panels are in adjoining relation to form the load bearing
surface; and at least one connector assembly including a first
connection element fixed to the lower peripheral tab, and a second
connection element that releasably fastens the upper peripheral tab
to the first connection element to secure the panels together.
[0008] The second connection element may be fastened to and
unfastened from the first connection element generally from above
the upper surfaces of the panels. The upper peripheral tab may
include at least one aperture, and the second connection element
may include a bolt that extends through the aperture. A head of the
bolt may be accessible from above the upper surfaces of the panels.
The first connection element may include a nut configured to
receive the bolt, and the nut may be retained in position relative
to the lower peripheral tab so that rotation of the nut about a
bolt axis is not permitted. The lower peripheral tab may include a
first flange surface, and the upper peripheral tab may include a
second flange surface, and tightening the bolt relative to the nut
may cause the flange surfaces to bear against one another in
opposed relation. The flange surfaces may be generally parallel to
a plane defined by the upper surfaces of the panels.
[0009] The connector assembly may include at least one brace plate
for distributing forces to at least one of the peripheral tabs. The
second connection element may include a first brace plate arranged
between the head of the nut and the upper peripheral tab. The upper
peripheral tab may include a recess generally surrounding the
aperture, and the first brace plate may be received within the
recess. The first connection element may include a second brace
plate that is mounted to the lower peripheral tab. The lower
peripheral tab may include a recess generally surrounding the first
connection element, and the second brace plate may be received
within the recess. The first connection element may include a third
brace plate that is mounted to the first flange surface. The first
flange surface may include a recess generally surrounding the first
connection element, and the third brace plate may be received
within the recess. Tightening the bolt relative to the nut may draw
the second and third base plates towards the first base plate,
thereby securing the peripheral tabs together.
[0010] The first connection element may include a body housing the
nut in secure arrangement. An interior of the body may be
complementary in shape to an exterior of the nut. The nut may be
removable from the body. The first connection element may include a
clip adapted to retain the nut in the body. A plurality of the
connector assemblies may be spaced apart along the adjoined side
edges of the panels.
[0011] According to an aspect of the present disclosure: a first
panel includes upper and lower surfaces and side edges, and along
at least one first side edge the lower surface projects beyond the
upper surface to define a lower peripheral tab; a second panel
includes upper and lower surfaces and side edges, along at least
one second side edge the upper surface projects beyond the lower
surface to define an upper peripheral tab, the upper peripheral tab
including an aperture, and the upper peripheral tab is adapted to
overlappingly engage the lower peripheral tab of the first panel so
that the upper surfaces of the first and second panels are in
adjoining relation to form a load bearing surface; and a connector
assembly including a nut retained in position relative to the lower
peripheral tab so that rotation of the nut about a bolt axis is not
permitted, and a bolt that extends through the aperture of the
upper peripheral tab, the nut being adapted to receive the bolt to
releasably fasten the upper peripheral tab of the second panel to
the lower peripheral tab of the first panel to secure the panels
together.
[0012] According to an aspect of the present disclosure: a first
panel includes upper and lower surfaces and side edges, and along
at least one first side edge the lower surface projects beyond the
upper surface to define a lower peripheral tab; a second panel
includes upper and lower surfaces and side edges, along at least
one second side edge the upper surface projects beyond the lower
surface to define an upper peripheral tab, the upper peripheral tab
adapted to overlappingly engage the lower peripheral tab of the
first panel so that the upper surfaces of the first and second
panels are in adjoining relation to form a load bearing surface,
and the upper peripheral tab includes an aperture; and a connector
assembly including a first connection element fixed to the lower
peripheral tab, and a second connection element that releasably
fastens the upper peripheral tab to the first connection element to
secure the panels together, the connector assembly including at
least one brace plate for distributing forces to at least one of
the peripheral tabs.
[0013] Other aspects and features of the teachings disclosed herein
will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon
review of the following description of the specific examples of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various
examples of apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure and
are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.
In the drawings:
[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 are upper and lower perspective views,
respectively, of an example of a modular ground covering panel;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of a plurality of the
modular ground covering panel of FIGS. 1 and 2, and constructed to
form a load bearing surface;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an example of a connector
assembly for use with the modular ground covering panel of FIGS. 1
and 2; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Various apparatuses or methods are described below to
provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No
embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any
claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ
from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited
to apparatuses and methods having all of the features of any one
apparatus or method described below or to features common to
multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It
is possible that an apparatus or method described below is not an
embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an
apparatus or method described below that is not claimed in this
document may be the subject matter of another protective
instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the
applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon,
disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its
disclosure in this document.
[0020] In general, the concepts described herein pertain to a load
bearing surface formed by a plurality of modular ground covering
panels having upper surfaces arranged in adjoining relation. Each
of the panels may include at least one peripheral tab that
overlapping engages a peripheral tab of at least one adjacent
panel. A plurality of connector assemblies secures the panels
together. Each of the connector assemblies includes a first
connection element that is fixed to a peripheral tab of one of the
panels, and a second connection element that releasably fastens the
corresponding peripheral tab of the adjacent panel to the first
connection element.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a modular ground
covering panel is shown generally at reference numeral 10. The
panel 10 includes an upper surface 12, and a lower surface 14
arranged spaced apart from the upper surface 12 and generally
parallel thereto.
[0022] The panel 10 may be formed of plastic material, for example
but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The panel 10
may be hollow, and may be manufactured using a rotational molding
process. Optionally, the upper surface 12 may include traction
features, such as a repeating diamond plate pattern or the like.
The panel 10 may be configured according to various sizes and
shapes, and the present teachings should not be limited to the
particular configuration illustrated in the drawings. In some
examples, the panel 10 may be produced to have dimensions of about
85''.times.180''.times.6''.
[0023] In the example illustrated, the panel 10 includes first,
second, third and fourth side edges 16, 18, 20, 22. The first side
edge 16 extends between bevel corners 40, 42; the third side edge
20 extends between bevel corners 42, 44. The first and second side
edges 16, 18 extend generally in parallel in a longitudinal
direction between the third and fourth side edges 20, 22. The third
and fourth side edges 20, 22 extend generally in parallel in a
lateral direction between the first and second side edges 16,
18.
[0024] In the example illustrated, along the first side edge 16,
the lower surface 14 projects beyond the upper surface 12 to define
a lower peripheral tab 24 (FIG. 1). The lower peripheral tab 24
presents an elongate flange surface 26 generally along a
longitudinal extent of the panel 10 between the third and fourth
side edges 20, 22. Furthermore, along the third side edge 20, the
lower surface 14 projects beyond the upper surface 12 to define a
lower peripheral tab 28 (FIG. 1). The lower peripheral tab 28
presents an elongate flange surface 30 generally along a lateral
extent of the panel 10 between the first and second side edges 16,
18. The flange surfaces 26, 30 may be generally parallel to a plane
defined by the upper surface 12.
[0025] Conversely, along the second side edge 18, the upper surface
12 projects beyond the lower surface 14 to define an upper
peripheral tab 32 (FIG. 2). The upper peripheral tab 32 presents an
elongate flange surface 34 generally along a longitudinal extent of
the panel 10 between the third and fourth side edges 20, 22.
Moreover, along the fourth side edge 22, the upper surface 12
projects beyond the lower surface 14 to define an upper peripheral
tab 36 (FIG. 2). The upper peripheral tab 36 presents an elongate
flange surface 38 generally along a lateral extent of the panel 10
between the first and second side edges 16, 18. The flange surfaces
34, 38 may also be generally parallel to a plane defined by the
upper surface 12.
[0026] Given two of the panels 10 arranged next to one another in a
side-by-side relationship, the tabs 24, 32 are sized and shaped for
overlapping engagement, with the flange surfaces 26, 34 in opposed
relation. Similarly, given two of the panels 10 arranged next to
one another in an end-to-end relationship, the tabs 28, 36 are
sized and shaped for overlapping engagement, with the flange
surfaces 30, 38 in opposed relation. Other arrangements for the
panel 10 may be possible.
[0027] In the example illustrated, the panel 10 includes a
plurality of first connection elements 50 spaced apart along the
tabs 24, 28. The panel 10 also includes a plurality of apertures 52
spaced apart along the tabs 32, 36, extending between the upper
surface 12 and the flange surfaces 34, 38. The apertures 52 may be
positioned in corresponding registration with the first connection
elements 50 of an adjacent panel 10, with either the flange
surfaces 26, 34 or the flange surfaces 30, 38 being in opposed
relation.
[0028] Optionally, as illustrated, the panel 10 may include
protrusion elements 46 spaced apart along the tabs 24, 28.
Complementary recess elements 48 are spaced apart along the tabs
32, 36, and receive the protrusion elements 46 to provide a means
for quick positioning of panels 10 to be joined together, prior to
being secured. A greater number of the recess elements 48 may be
provided so as to allow options for a staggered arrangement of the
panels 10.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, a system is shown consisting of
four of the panels 10, denoted by reference numerals 10a, 10b, 10c
and 10d. The panel 10a is arranged next to the panel 10b in a
side-by-side relationship, whereas the panel 10a is arranged next
to the panel 10c in an end-to-end relationship, etc. A plurality of
connector assemblies 54 secure the panels 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d
together in adjoining relation, so that the upper surfaces of the
10a, 10b, 10c, 10d form a load bearing surface 56. As illustrated,
the connector assemblies 54 may be spaced apart along the side
edges of the panels 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d at regular intervals.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, the connector assembly 54 may include
the first connection element 50, and a second connection element
58. In the example illustrated, the second connection element 58
includes a bolt 60 having a head 62, and the bolt 60 extends
through a brace plate 64. The first connection element 50 includes
brace plates 66, 68, a body 70 arranged between the brace plates
66, 68, a nut 72 retained by the body 70, and a clip 74. The bolt
60 and the nut 72 include complementary threads that facilitate the
second connection element 58 being releasably fastened to the first
connection element 50.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5, the second connection element 58 is
shown received in the tab 36a in the aperture 52 that extends
between the upper surface 12a and the flange surface 38a. The brace
plate 64 is shown mounted to a recess in the upper surface 12a of
the panel 10a so that it is generally flush with the upper surface
12a.
[0032] The first connection element 50 is shown received in the tab
28c in an aperture 82 that extends between the lower surface 14c
and the flange surface 30c. The brace plate 66 is shown mounted to
a recess in the lower surface 14c of the panel 10c so that it is
generally flush with the lower surface 14c, and the brace plate 68
is shown mounted to a recess in the flange surface 30c of the tab
28c so that it is generally flush with the flange surface 30c.
Spacing between the brace plates 66, 68 may be selected so that the
tab 28c is compressed therebetween. The brace plates 64, 66, 68
distribute forces between the connector assembly 54 and the tabs
36a, 28c. Accordingly, the first connection element 50 may be
rigidly fixed to the tab 28c, so that rotation of the first
connection element 50 (including the nut 72), e.g., about a bolt
axis 80, is generally not permitted.
[0033] In the example illustrated, the body 70 houses the nut 72 in
secure arrangement, with an interior of the body 70 being
complementary in shape to an exterior of the nut 72 (e.g., the nut
72 may have a square profile). The clip 74 may be secured to the
interior of the body 70 (e.g., by interference fit) and retains the
nut 72 in the body 70. If the nut 72 becomes stripped or otherwise
damaged, it may be removed from the body 70 by first releasing the
clip 74, and replaced with another one.
[0034] In use, tightening the bolt 60 relative to the nut 72 about
the bolt axis 80 causes the brace plates 66, 68 to be drawn toward
the brace plate 64. Accordingly, the flange surfaces 38a, 30c bear
against one another, securing the panels 10a, 10c together. The
bolt axis 80 may be generally orthogonal to a plane defined by the
upper surfaces 12a, 12c, and the flange surfaces 30c, 38a, which
may promote the flange surfaces 38a, 30c bearing against one
another in a generally uniform manner about the connector assembly
54.
[0035] Because the nut 72 is fixed in position, fastening the bolt
60 to the nut 72 is simplified because manipulation of the nut 72
is not required. Also, because the head 62 of the bolt 60 is
accessible from above the upper surfaces 12a, 12c, the second
connection element 58 may be installed relatively quickly, through
the aperture 52, and fastened to the first connection element 50
while the panels 10a, 10c lie in adjoining position.
[0036] Referring again to FIG. 2, the panel 10 includes a plurality
of cavities 76, which as illustrated may be spaced apart across the
lower surface 14 in a repeating pattern or array. The cavities 76
depend inwardly from the lower surface 14. In the example
illustrated, the cavities 76 are formed by sidewalls 78 (FIG. 5)
that extend generally between the upper and lower surfaces 12, 14.
The cavities 76 serve to reinforce the panel 10 by forming a
generally rigid structure between the upper and lower surfaces 12,
14. Although the cavities 76 are shown to have a hexagonally shaped
profile, other geometric shapes and configurations are
possible.
[0037] While the above description provides examples of one or more
apparatuses or methods, it will be appreciated that other
apparatuses or methods may be within the scope of the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *